GoKwik adds non-compete clause to forfeit vested employee options
The ecommerce software company altered its 2021 ESOP rules, targeting staff who move to competitors.
Image: GoKwik
Ecommerce enablement provider GoKwik has revised its 2021 employee stock option plan to penalize staff who move to market competitors [1]. Under the modified policy, workers who depart for rival firms risk the outright forfeiture of both unvested and vested-but-unexercised stock options [1].
One former GoKwik employee characterized the policy revision as abrupt, telling Inc42 that "The sudden change in the ESOP policy was a shock" [1]. The move places fresh limits on staff equity realization at the Indian ecommerce infrastructure firm.
Chirag Taneja, Vivek Bajpai, and Ankush Talwar launched GoKwik in 2020 to provide retail merchants with software for checkout, return logistics, and shopper engagement [1]. The company posted 146.2 crore INR in operating revenue during fiscal year 2025 [1].
To date, the business has secured $68 million in total venture capital backing [1]. Its shareholder roster includes prominent venture capital funds such as Peak XV Partners, Z47 Partners, RTP Global, and Think Investments [1].
Questions and answers
What changed in GoKwik's equity compensation policy?
GoKwik amended its 2021 ESOP guidelines with a non-compete provision allowing the company to cancel unvested and vested-but-unexercised stock options if an employee joins a competitor.
How much capital has GoKwik raised?
The company has secured $68 million in total funding from investors including Peak XV Partners, Z47 Partners, Think Investments, and RTP Global.
Companies & investors in this story
Sources
- 1.GoKwik’s Golden Handcuffs: Non-Compete Clause Puts Vested ESOPs In Jeopardy — Inc42, Nov 11, 2026
- 2.Diwali spending shifts to high-value purchases as average order value rises 8% — Storyboard18, Nov 10, 2026
- 3.GoKwik Festive Study Records ₹1328 Crore GMV — MediaBrief, Nov 10, 2026
